Milford Musician Graduates, Has Big Aspirations

From Berklee College: Larry Shea, from Milford, CT, has a bold aspiration: to be the best music teacher. His dream job would be a middle school band director, though he also loves to teach guitar and songwriting to elementary school students. Shea, a guitarist, will graduate from Berklee College of Music Saturday, May 12, with a B.M. in Music Education.

“I want to teach students to explore the music they love and be able to take away what they learn in class to be part of their every day lives, and not be limited in their musical experiences. My classroom would offer a variety of ensembles and performance opportunities for various styles of music.”

Shea would focus his young students on the limitless connections between musical styles, and promote originality and new directions. He values the purpose of giving kids the best experiences they can have from the start of his teaching them, from the youngest children to the middle schoolers. Their earliest experiences, he says, impacts their learning and experiences.

“In five years, I want my music program to be such an example that other teachers will come and see what I do. I want to pass on to my students that music is a set of life skills they can use their entire lives. I can't wait to see their smiles when they experience the power and indescribable joy of music.”

Image courtesy of Berklee College